Hoboken council faces scrutiny over Clock Tower tax pilot renewal amid housing violations

Hoboken City Council is facing critical scrutiny over the proposed extension of the Clock Tower pilot program, which has raised concerns about compliance with affordable housing regulations. During the March 19, 2025, meeting, community members voiced their apprehensions regarding the renewal of this pilot, originally established in 2016, which allows for tax exemptions in exchange for maintaining affordable housing standards.

Residents highlighted significant issues with the pilot's second amendment, describing it as poorly written and confusing. One speaker pointed out that the amendment effectively ends rent control for non-project-based units, raising alarms about potential impacts on housing stability in the city. The council is considering a 90-day extension to allow for further review and adjustments, but critics argue that this may not be sufficient.

Jenny Lebenz, a private citizen, emphasized the need for thorough investigation into the Clock Tower's compliance with its pilot agreement. She revealed that a recent rent control board meeting uncovered violations, where at least one unit was allegedly rented without proper income verification and outside the required waitlist process. This raises questions about whether the building is genuinely contributing to affordable housing as mandated.

Lebenz urged the council to consult with federal and state housing authorities to ensure compliance before proceeding with the pilot's renewal. She warned that moving forward without proper oversight could set a dangerous precedent, signaling to landlords that legal obligations can be overlooked if financial incentives are present.

The council's decision on the Clock Tower pilot will have significant implications for Hoboken's housing landscape, particularly as the city aims to balance revenue generation with the need for affordable housing. As discussions continue, residents are calling for transparency and accountability to protect the integrity of housing agreements in the community.